Independent music (often shortened to indie music or indie) is music produced independently from major commercial record labels or their subsidiaries, a process that may include an autonomous, do-it-yourself approach to recording and publishing. The term indie is sometimes also used to describe a genre (such as indie rock and indie pop); as a genre term, "indie" may include music that is not independently produced, and most independent music artists do not fall into a single, defined musical style or genre, and usually create music that can be categorized into other genres.
Independent labels have a long history of promoting developments in popular music, stretching back to the post-war period in the United States, with labels such as Sun Records, King Records, and Stax.
In the United Kingdom during the 1950s and 1960s, the major record companies had so much power that independent labels struggled to become established. Several British producers and artists launched independent labels as outlets for their work and artists they liked, but the majority failed as commercial ventures and were swallowed up by the majors.[1]
In the United States, independent labels and distributors often banded together to form organizations to promote trade and parity within the industry.
Arctic Monkeys are an English rock band formed in 2002 in Sheffield. The band consists of Alex Turner, Matt Helders, and Nick O'Malley.
The Birthday Party (originally known as The Boys Next Door) were an Australian post-punk band, active from 1978 to 1983.
Montreal band, Blinker The Star were known for their heavy, ethereal, melancholic, brash and youthful style of alternative rock music
Blur are an English rock band, formed in London in 1988. The band helped establish the Britpop genre and achieved mass popularity in the UK.
Johnny Borrell is an English guitarist and singer, currently the front-man of the band Razorlight & part of "The Dalston Set".
Johnny Cash was known for his deep, calm bass-baritone voice and a trademark look, which earned him the nickname "The Man in Black"
Johnny Marr is a renowned musician, songwriter and singer, best known as the guitarist and co-songwriter with The Smiths.
Kasabian are an English rock band formed in Leicester in 1997, named after Linda Kasabian, a member of the Charles Manson cult.
Liam Gallagher is best known as the charismatic, self-assured front man of Manchester Britpop band Oasis.
The Libertines are an English rock band, formed in London in 1997 by frontmen Carl Barât (vocals/guitar) and Pete Doherty (vocals/guitar).
Morrissey is an English singer, songwriter & author, he rose to prominence as the lead singer of the indie rock band The Smiths.
Noel Gallagher is regarded as one of the UK’s most respected musicians and the mastermind behind Britpop super group Oasis.
Primal Scream were hugely influential in the 1990's following the release of Screamadelica, with their blend of indie pop and dance fusion.
Pulp are considered to be one of the most innovative and popular bands of the late 20th century and key figures of Britpop
Joe Strummer (lying on floor) & Mick Jones performing live onstage on their 'Sort It Out' Tour at the Paradiso, Amsterdam.
Pink Floyd in Abbey Road making a new album that became 'Wish You Were Here'. Jill Furmanovsky was asked to drop in and shoot some stills
Official contact sheet print from the acclaimed Duffy archive of David Bowie in his Scary Monsters Pierrot costume in 1980.
Bob Marley relaxing with friends and family after a show in Houston, Texas in 1976
David Bowie was a leading figure in popular music for over five decades & regarded by critics & musicians as a true innovator.
Referred to as rock music's 'Prince of Darkness', Nick Cave's music is characterised by emotional intensity & a wide variety of influences.
Neil Young's acclaimed solo career spans over 45 years & 35 studio albums, with a continuous & uncompromising exploration of musical styles.
Over their career the Manic Street Preachers have headlined several festivals including Glastonbury, T in the Park, V Festival and Reading.
The USA has given us many of the world's greatest music artists - we celebrate the best of the best
Welcome to our Jazz & Blues Print Collection - over 50 years of iconic images of the world's greatest Jazz & Blues musicians
Often regarded as the 'sixth' member of Pink Floyd, Storm Thorgerson's album art was an inseperable part of the band's work
Edition 100 was created to give fans & collectors a chance to own classic, historical pictures of their favorite bands.